Carnival Japan, the Japanese office of Princess Cruises, recently signed a partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) to expand cruise tourism to South Korea. The company aims to attract 300,000 visitors to South Korea by the end of fiscal year 2028 on its Japan-based cruises operated by the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
They are working together for development of high-value-added tours for each port of call and tourism products for surrounding areas, support for improving the reception environment, such as shuttle buses, promotion of consumption at ports of call, implementation of inspection tours for travel agencies and promotion of charter cruise product planning.
Princess Cruises began offering Japan-based cruises in 2013 and will celebrate its 14th year of operation in 2026. In 2027 and 2028, the company plans to operate Japan-based cruises with two sister ships built in Japan, the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
In South Korea, Busan and Jeju Island are popular ports of call. The partnership is expected to enhance the tourism experience at these existing locations, as well as work towards developing new ports of call and revitalizing regional tourism.
Carnival Japan President and CEO, Satoru Horikawa said, “By further enhancing the tourism experience at ports of call, we will improve overall cruise travel satisfaction and create opportunities for passengers to enjoy the diverse attractions of South Korea more deeply.”
